Monday, May 10, 2010

We both heard the diagnosis at the same time. Dorrie and I were seeing yet another Doctor in our quest for what we'd hoped was a simple answer to some annoying symptoms. This time it was a Neurologist. "I think you have Parkinson's Disease."

My reaction... "Cool, this sounds like a fun challenge..." (to myself, of course)

Dorrie's reaction? She became immediately ill... struggling to stay conscious as waves of nausea poured over her. "Maybe," I thought, "I won't tell her about the 'fun challenge' part right now..."

A STEP BACK IN TIME

I was a very good athlete. Basketball was the game, and I was strong, agile, and competitive to the core. In High School, I lead the entire league in scoring. And with this accomplishment in hand, I was able to negotiate two athletic scholarships, almost completely covering my college tuition. And, to top it all off, I was voted "Campus Clown" in my second year... people liked me...

To be continued... (for now, off to bed!)

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It is difficult for me to write about my struggle with Parkinson's Disease. It currently is a terminal neurological disease with no known cure. It has robbed me of much of my day to day strength... and I can see that I'm losing ground fast. However, in many ways "Parks" (as nicknamed by Dorrie) has turned out to be a great friend and teacher. Sitting in his class and listening to his lectures year after year has matured me as I've come to better know myself through suffering.